The Great Work of the Metal Lover Installation Has the Midas Touch

The Great Work of the Metal Lover art installation is steeped in technology and science. That is because it was put together by researchers from the Michigan State University. These researchers have manufactured the midas touch. Using a bacteria called Cupriavidus metallidurans, they are essentially able to turn substances of no value into a solid precious metal. Although they could have easily used this knowledge to take over the world, the researchers have decided to share the experience with the world instead.

Using a glass bioreactor, The Great Work of the Metal Lover art installation turns large amounts of the toxic gold chloride into gold nuggets over the span of a week by exposing it to the bacteria. The installation is described as a mashup of biotechnology, art and alchemy.